Our company installs professional security systems, so we're partial to the overall advantages that come with this type of installation. While DIY alarm kits have several great benefits, overall, these systems do not measure up to a professionally installed security system. … [Read more...]

If you already have an alarm system installed, converting that system to accommodate a home automation system is usually quite simple. However, the cost of adding smart home features depends on exactly what features you plan to add, and more importantly what features you might need.
The average cost of adding a home automation system in 2016 was approximately $1331. While we can't give you exact costs, nor would that help you much, we will talk about the kinds of smart home features you might … [Read more...]

When it comes to your home you can never be too safe. Intruders and thieves shouldn’t be something you have to worry about on a daily basis, but where do you start? It can seem like there are a myriad of options and that gets overwhelming - from do-it-yourself solutions to calling in the big guns and having them come outfit your home.
I think we can all agree that the worst thing to do is nothing, so Butler Durrell is here to help with your security questions and show you a few reasons why … [Read more...]

Commercial surveillance video isn’t necessarily needed for every business. Your first step should be determining if your business needs commercial video. But for those that do need it, it’s important that it be done right. If your business is at risk from break-ins and robberies, commercial video can be a strong deterrent to burglars and criminals.
Commercial Video Cost Considerations
There are two costs to consider with commercial video systems. The first is the cost of … [Read more...]

Businesses that want to keep their building secure should seriously consider an access control system.
While businesses with less than 10 employees might be able to get by on traditional lock and key setups, a wide array of businesses and industries find these systems extremely beneficial.
Access control can help mitigate security risks and allows a facilities department to avoid headaches. Even most retail businesses have certain areas they want restricted from customers. … [Read more...]

The odds of a burglar using a lost key to enter your home are very slim, but we still recommend replacing your locks after losing house keys. It’s much more likely a burglar will enter through an unlocked door, use a bump key or other tool, or access an unprotected entry point in your home, but you're always going to be better off safe than sorry. Determining what to do after losing your keys will depend on a few factors, like what is on the keychain, where the keys were lost, and your gut. For … [Read more...]

Right now, smart home security camera systems are all the rage in St. Louis. Families all over our region are buying into the idea of protecting their homes with camerasthat can be accessed via a simple app on a smartphone. So why are consumers so drawn to this latest smart home product? … [Read more...]

DIY alarm systems are great. They’re less expensive than professionally installed systems, easy to move from home to home, and often as technologically sophisticated as any alarm equipment on the market. So why would anyone pay the extra cost for professional installation? … [Read more...]

The cost of a home security system can easily range from “Free” or $0 to $3,500 or more. The type of equipment and amount of equipment needed can both have a significant impact on cost, but adding smart home features and video cameras can drive the price up even higher. In some areas, labor costs can be a factor, but the cost of labor in St. Louis is about average. … [Read more...]

It’s never easy determining when to upgrade a piece of technology. Things like cellphones, TVs, computers and other tech gadgets seem to get outdated in a matter of years. Fortunately, security technology has a much slower attrition rate than many of the other tech device out on the market today.
One of the key differentiators in security systems is that they have the ability to be steadily upgraded over time. It’s possible to keep a security system up-to-date year after year without ever … [Read more...]